The relationship between early childhood caries and caregivers' oral health knowledge and behavior among Medicaid-eligible children in North Carolina

Dental caries is increasing among low-socio economic children. A demonstration project, "Into the Mouths of Babes" (IMB), utilized physicians to prevent dental caries in Medicaid-enrolled children. The purpose of this study is to characterize oral health knowledge and behaviors among caregivers of Medicaid-enrolled children and to assess their association with early childhood caries in these children.; A four-paged questionnaire with 36 closed and open-ended questions was administered to parents of children who were approximately 1 year of age. The questionnaires were linked with patient encounter forms. Data were analyzed descriptively and bivariately using SAS.; The 549 caregivers included in this study had a high level of dental knowledge and importance about most areas of oral health. Inappropriate bottle use and age were strong predictors of ECC. Studies should continue on the effectiveness of counseling caregivers and promoting healthy dental behaviors that improve the oral health of children enrolled in Medicaid.